Being solid in the trenches goes a long way in football. Look at some of the recent Super Bowl champions. The 2024 Philadelphia Eagles were formidable in the holes on both sides of the ball. Likewise the 2025 Seattle Seahawks, who finished third in the league in run defense and also featured on of the most improved offensive lines in the league. On Thursday night, the Carolina Panthers used a first-round pick on an offensive player for the fifth straight year. With the 19th overall selection, general manager Dan Morgan opted for University of Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling. Despite inking free-agent Rasheed Walker to a one-year contract this offseason, the team is obviously looking towards its long-term future as four-year left tackle Ikem Ekwonu recovers from a ruptured patellar tendon. Panthers’ GM Dan Morgan traded up to get a big-time run stopper Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive lineman Lee Hunter (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.…